student researchers standing next to screens talking with attendees

Research day shines a spotlight on innovative student work

Degree candidates present findings at annual event

At every stage of their education, Harvard dental students have the opportunity to engage in research in a highly collaborative environment under the guidance of HSDM faculty mentors. On Tuesday, April 8, graduating students had the chance to showcase the culmination of their research projects at HSDM’s annual Student Research Day. 

“Our research programs provide training to students at all levels,” said Dean William Giannobile. “Such research enables dental medicine to impact new avenues of both basic and translational research and investigation into major disorders.”

Students in DMD, MMSc, and DMSc programs explored topics in basic, translational/clinical, and global health research. Several projects aimed to improve health and wellbeing by exploring infectious diseases at the cellular and molecular levels. Some focused on enhancing dental education, and seeking new ways to support future oral health professionals. Others took a global perspective, conducting population-based research to better understand oral health challenges and disparities across diverse communities.

Student in front of screen taking with a judge
Student in front of screen taking with a judge
Student in front of screen taking with a judge

“Every poster reflects not only their hard work but also their passion for learning and advancing knowledge in their fields,” said Francesca Gori, director of student research and associate professor of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity. 

For Lina Alzahrani, DMSc25, presenting at Student Research Day provided her with a valuable platform to engage in meaningful discussions with peers, faculty, and mentors. Her project investigated the effects of resveratrol (RESV) and biodendrimer-resveratrol (BD-RESV) on dental pulp stem cells.

Other students were excited to share their projects on emerging topics in dentistry. Noah Taylor, DMD25, presented his research on visualizing the spatial distribution of fungi and bacteria in carious teeth treated with silver diamine fluoride. 

“It was inspiring to see faculty from a range of specialties engage with student-led research across such diverse areas of the field,” he said.

Following the poster presentations, students, faculty, and staff attended the annual Professor Donald B. Giddon Lecture in Behavioral Medicine and Dentistry.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Paul H. Krebsbach, dean and professor at UCLA School of Dentistry. Krebsbach’s research focuses on the cell and molecular biology of mineralized tissues and self-renewal of adult and pluripotent stem cells. He shared the latest insights on oral cancer in an engaging talk.

In their own words

HSDM students convey their research with confidence and expertise, underscoring their role as future leaders in dental medicine.

Hear from the students
student standing in front of screen fielding questions from attendees

Research Day honors

Nine students from the Class of 2025 were recognized for excellence in research, receiving honors for outstanding poster presentations in the areas of basic and translational science, clinical research, and public health and dental education. 

“Our students represent the rich diversity of ideas, perspectives, and intellectual curiosity that make HSDM such a dynamic community,” Gori said.

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